Inklingo

How to Say "cookie" in Spanish

English → Spanish

galleta

gah-YEH-tahɡaˈʎeta

nounA1general
Use 'galleta' for a general, standard-sized baked treat, often sweet, similar to a biscuit or cookie in English.
A close-up view of a single, perfectly baked round chocolate chip cookie with prominent melted chocolate pieces.

Examples

Me encanta comer una galleta con mi café por la mañana.

I love to eat a cookie with my coffee in the morning.

Mi abuela siempre hornea galletas de avena.

My grandmother always bakes oatmeal cookies.

Necesito unas galletas saladas para comer con el queso.

I need some crackers to eat with the cheese.

Se me rompió la galleta al mojarla en la leche.

My cookie broke when I dipped it in the milk.

Always Feminine

Remember to use the feminine article 'la' or 'una' before 'galleta' since it is a feminine noun.

Confusing Sweet and Savory

Mistake: “Using 'galleta' exclusively for sweet cookies when you mean a savory cracker.”

Correction: While 'galleta' often means cookie, you can specify 'galleta salada' (savory cracker) or 'galleta dulce' (sweet cookie) to be perfectly clear.

galletita

gah-yeh-TEE-tahɡaʝeˈtita

nounA1general
Use 'galletita' for a small cookie, a cookie bite, or when you want to emphasize its small size or sweetness, like a 'little cookie'.
A single round golden-brown cookie with chocolate chips.

Examples

¿Quieres una galletita de chocolate para merendar?

Do you want a little chocolate cookie for a snack?

¿Quieres una galletita de chocolate?

Do you want a chocolate cookie?

Compré galletitas de agua para el queso.

I bought some crackers for the cheese.

Mi abuela siempre tiene una lata llena de galletitas.

My grandma always has a tin full of cookies.

The 'Small' Ending

The ending '-ita' usually means something is small. While 'galleta' is a cookie, 'galletita' literally means 'little cookie,' but it is often used just to sound more friendly or casual.

Gender Agreement

Since it ends in '-a', it is a feminine word. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it (e.g., 'la galletita').

Cookies vs. Crackers

Mistake: “Thinking 'galletita' only means sweet cookies.”

Correction: In many Spanish-speaking countries, 'galletita' refers to both sweet cookies and salty crackers. You have to look at the context!

Galleta vs. Galletita

Learners often use 'galleta' for all types of cookies. While generally understood, using 'galletita' adds nuance for smaller or more endearing cookie treats. Think of 'galleta' as 'cookie' and 'galletita' as 'little cookie' or 'cookie bite'.

Related Translations

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